The MLB season kicks off with an exciting Monday slate featuring a mix of day and night games, but the focus is squarely on the night matchups packed with potential for DFS success. Pitcher Bowden Francis from the Toronto Blue Jays is a standout pick at $8,300, boasting a solid 3.30 ERA and 0.93 WHIP last season, particularly impressing with a 1.53 ERA in the second half. Facing the Washington Nationals, who struggled offensively last year, Francis walks into a great matchup as a -170 favorite.

On the other hand, Ronel Blanco of the Houston Astros at $9,000 is another viable option, thanks to his consistency over 29 starts, allowing four runs or fewer almost every time out. The matchup against the San Francisco Giants, who ranked low offensively last season, adds to Blanco's appeal.

As for hitters, Kyle Tucker from the Chicago Cubs ($6,000) is sizzling hot with two homers and five RBIs in recent games. Meanwhile, Fernando Tatis Jr. at $5,400 continues to showcase his elite potential with impressive stats, including three steals in the early season. For budget-friendly options, Lane Thomas ($4,100) and Jonathan Aranda ($2,900) provide excellent value against weak pitching matchups.

For stacking, consider the Cubs against Joey Estes of the Oakland Athletics, given Estes' struggles. A stack featuring Tucker, Ian Happ, and Michael Busch could yield high returns. The Tampa Bay Rays against Carmen Mlodzinski also show promise, with key players like Junior Caminero and Brandon Lowe rounding out an attractive stack.

Late-round gems can make or break a fantasy baseball season. Players like Brent Rooker, who hit 39 home runs and stole 11 bases in 2024, exemplify the potential impact of these selections. As we approach the 2025 fantasy baseball season, identifying players available past pick 150 in NFBC ADP can provide a significant edge. This guide highlights ten hitters with league-winning upside in specific categories, focusing on power and speed rather than consistency.

Xavier Edwards, shortstop for the Miami Marlins, is a speedster with a .341 average this spring. His season last year saw 31 stolen bases in just 303 plate appearances, making him a must-target for a speed boost. Victor Robles, now with the Seattle Mariners, showcased power and speed potential by hitting four home runs and stealing 30 bases in 2024, projecting a possible 50 SB season. Eugenio Suarez’s resurgence with the Diamondbacks further solidifies him as a value pick, while Jorge Soler’s power potential in the Angels’ lineup is worth investing in.

Second base presents a unique challenge in fantasy baseball, often overlooked for its lack of elite talent. However, several standout prospects offer a blend of power and speed that could make them valuable additions. Among these players, Kristian Campbell of the Boston Red Sox has emerged as a top prospect following an impressive minor league campaign that saw him hit .330 with 20 home runs and 24 steals. Despite a more crowded infield with Alex Bregman, Campbell's versatility may allow him to carve out a significant role this season.

Christian Moore of the Los Angeles Angels, drafted eighth overall, is also making waves and could step into a starting position due to injuries in the lineup. Meanwhile, Orelvis Martinez of the Toronto Blue Jays, despite a previous suspension, shows potential with a solid Spring Training performance. Other names to watch include Luke Keaschall from the Minnesota Twins and Travis Bazzana from the Cleveland Guardians, both of whom are positioned for bright futures in the majors. As these prospects develop, they could become critical assets in fantasy leagues.

Orelvis Martinez's promising Major League debut with the Toronto Blue Jays quickly turned into a nightmare after he received an 80-game suspension for violating MLB's drug policy. The 22-year-old was touted as the best power hitter in the Blue Jays' system and was called up to replace the injured Bo Bichette. However, just days after his debut, he tested positive for clomiphene, a substance that boosts testosterone levels, leading to his banishment back to the development complex in Dunedin.

Martinez claims the drug was prescribed for infertility treatment, a narrative met with skepticism given his age. While he expresses regret and insists he has worked on his mental approach during his suspension, the long layoff has hindered his development. With new competition rising in the Jays' system, he faces an uphill battle to reclaim his spot as a viable option at third base.

Baseball season is officially underway with spring training games providing noteworthy action. Players like Elly De La Cruz displayed power as he homered from both sides, a potential sign of improvement against lefties, which was a struggle for him last season. Ceddanne Rafaela's revamped swing looks promising, and he could carve out a significant role as Boston's everyday center fielder. Maikel Garcia also showcased swing adjustments aimed at bouncing back from a dip in batting average.

New swing mechanics were a common theme, with Thairo Estrada's solid performance indicating he might be a hidden gem for late middle infield needs. Danny Jansen's home run highlights his potential in two-catcher formats, especially with the advantageous conditions at the Rays' minor league park. Meanwhile, young prospects like Orelvis Martinez and Luke Keaschall are making their cases for roster spots, demonstrating both power and reliability. Pitchers are equally noteworthy, with Chris Sale and Sandy Alcantara showing promising velocity. The competition for rotation spots is heating up, setting an exciting tone for the season ahead.